Leslie Nutting was born in California and has lived in New Mexico, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, Canada and Hong Kong as well as West Virginia. Usually this would not be the first information of interest in introducing the visiting artist in the Studio Gallery of Artworks Around Town for the month of November, however, in this instance, knowledge of this background is germane to an understanding of her art and her philosophy.
Her work will be introduced at the monthly Gallery Hop on Friday, Nov 4th, from 5:00 to 8:00 at the Artworks Gallery, 2200 Market St. in the North end of the Historic Centre Market.
Leslie Nutting paints Appalachia. Coming to West Virgina with a world view and wide experience of other places, people and cultures, she has, perhaps, a sharper eye for and a more sympathetic image of what she defines as, “This rust belt region of coal mines and dominating steel plants along the Ohio River”. In her view these things symbolize America’s industrial decay and her belief that the people who suffer from this situation are known mainly through stereotypes. She describes her work as portraiture, figurative compositions and landscapes which address this long-suffering but proud population: tied to the land, coal plants, factories and small family businesses in a world apart and left behind.
She paints with oils for their permanence and longevity. In her words, ” a portrait is often a record of a moment in one’s life that is saved for generations. Even if a painting is not a formal portrait, I feel compelled to make my work of the highest quality I can. For me longevity is a central element. I hope my work can ultimately be viewed in the continuum of painting history.”
Analyzing her portrait work further, she adds, “I explore my portrait and figure subjects in a sympathetic way that reflects my personal interest in them as individuals or as archetypes in their community. I intend my paintings to be honest and approachable. They speak to our common humanity and current issues.”
Her work is not limited to the depiction of the people of Appalachia as she also has a deep affection for and appreciation of the beauty of the landscape. In her words, “I revel in the ever-changing light effects and the impossible beauty I find wherever I look. I enjoy the adventure and physicality of painting, the unabashed sensuousness of the art form, and the freedom to explore abstraction, realism and anything in between.”
Leslie earned her degree in History from Williams College and immediately entered government service as a foreign affairs officer which allowed her many opportunities over the years for travel all over the world as well as in her own backyard. Just this past year she received her MFA in painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She is a memberof the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, the Oil Painters of America and the Portrait Society of America.
The art work of students from Union Local Elementary School will be displayed in the North Gallery.
The Gallery Hop is free and open to all. Visitors will also enjoy refreshments and music and the opportunity to meet the visiting artist as well as regular artist members of Artworks Around Town. For further information call (304)233-7540 or contact the website at artworksaroundtown.org